Germany put six past Norway to remain perfect in qualifying

04/09/2017

Germany coasted to a 6-0 victory over Norway with a four-goal first-half blitz to extend their 100 percent record to eight matches -- but it still was not enough to guarantee them World Cup qualification.

Northern Ireland's 2-0 win over Czech Republic means top spot in Group C is not guaranteed but on the form they have been showing it is merely a formality for Joachim Low's side.

Norway were never given a chance to get into the game in Stuttgart, falling behind to Mesut Ozil's 10th-minute strike and blown away inside 40 minutes after conceding four as the reigning world champions ran riot.

Arsenal midfielder Ozil began the rout, firing home left-footed -- one of six chances created inside the first quarter of an hour.

Ozil turned provider for the second, teeing up Paris Saint-Germain winger Julian Draxler in the 17th minute and four minutes later RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner -- playing in the city of his birth -- made it 3-0.

Even by that stage the visitors knew the game was over and Werner left them with no doubt five minutes from half-time when he headed in Muller's cross.

The 21-year-old is in a rich vein of form for the national team, having scored six times and provided two assists in his last five matches for Germany.

There was no easing up after the break as substitute Leon Goretzka, on for Muller, powered in a downward header from Draxler's cross five minutes after the restart.

Further chances to extend the lead fell to Sebastian Rudy, Goretzka, Mats Hummels and Werner, who was substituted for Mario Gomez shortly after missing the opportunity to complete his hat trick.

Gomez justified the switch with a header to make it 6-0 13 minutes after coming on as Germany scored at least six goals in consecutive home matches for the first time since May 2002, having beaten San Marino 7-0 in June.